REVISED: Daily Devotion: Monday, November 3, 2014

Oops, clicked send too soon.  Here's a couple more things for news:
 
1. MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!--  Come and enjoy some pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs, the fellowship of brothers in Christ, and a short study of God's Word!!!  We'll be done by 9:30!
 
2. SANCTUARY CLEANING DAY THIS SATURDAY, 10am-NOON---  If you are a clean freak and enjoy having a clean sanctuary in which to praise the Lord, please come up to church on Saturday and enjoy the company of your fellow cleaners!!  We'll have lunch when we're done at noon!
 


DEVOTION:  "Then he called the crowds to him along with the disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after (follow) me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his lie for my sake and for the sake o the Gospel will save it.  For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"  Matthew 16:24-26
 
As I read this passage I am reminded o the thousands of Christians throughout the world who are literally taking up their cross, going to death for the sake of the Gospel.  Do you realize that right now in places like Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and in other places throughout the world there are people being killed for their faith in Christ?  They are being put to death because they believe in Jesus and they won't give up their faith nor will they stop practicing their faith in worship and in service to the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  When we talk about heroes, these are the heroes we should really be giving accolades and honor. 
 
Then there are the disciples themselves. When Jesus speaks the words above, He is speaking directly to them.  He is telling them that they must be willing to die for Him.  In fact, not only were they willing to die for Him, all of them did die a martyr's death except for John who was saved miraculously by God so that he could give the world the Revelation.  They were given the faith it took to go all the way to death for the sake of the Gospel, the good news of salvation that Jesus died on the cross for them an for all of us. 
 
What about you?  Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Jesus all the way to death?  I'm not saying that you'll have to, but you might.  There's no telling what the future will bring for Christians in this world and in the United States?
 
Is your life reflecting that willingness right now?  Let me put it this way: when was the last time you were in worship four weekends in a row?  When was the last time you considered giving more in your weekly offerings?  When was the last time you served on a board or committee for the Lord and His church? 
 
Are you partaking of the freedom to worship or are you taking it for granted?  Are you speaking of the love of Jesus to those who need to hear it or are you keeping your mouth shut?  Are you supporting the work of the church as much as you are able with the money God is giving you?  Do you care enough about God's people and His church to give up your life for it? 
 
The reality is, apart from faith none of us are able to do any of these things.  Apart from God's gift of faith in our hearts and lives we are nothing but lumps of dirt who only  think of ourselves and what we want.  In faith we are able to give up ourselves and put Jesus first!  In faith we are able to proclaim the name and the work of Jesus with all that we are and have.  Let's make the most of every opportunity today to do that!  Let's do the work our Lord Jesus has given us to do!
 
Let us pray:  Lord, give me the faith to take up my cross and follow You today and every day.  Amen.
 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ 
What are the weeds in the parable of the weeds? 
Parable of the Weeds   Matthew 13:37-39  "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.  The field is the
world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom.  The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who
sows them is the devil.  The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  What does Jesus mean when He says, "Take up your cross and follow me"? 
____________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15
Tues- Quilting 9-2; NO BIBLE STUDY; Election Day
Wed- Jonesburg Nursing Home worship 10:30; Good Shepherd Volunteer Luncheon 11:30; Choir 7pm
Thurs- Alzheimer's support group; Karate 5:30-7:30; Praise band practice 6pm
Fri- OAFC arrives at 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8-9:30; Sanctuary cleaning day 10-12; OAFC all day; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study and Sunday school 9:45; worship 11; elder's meeting noon
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK

Acolytes- 8:30- Alaina Heitgerd 11- Zack Hoelscher
Altar guild- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up-- Joanne Hachtel
Greeters- 8:30- Paul and Cindy Klover; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Rich Talbert; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Randy Sweet
Lay Readers- Sat- Kathy Fischer, 8:30- Jo Fahrni, 11- Randy Sweet
8:30 Ushers-  Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Projectors- Sat-- Pam Bueltmann; Sun 8:30 ?????   11--??????

Pianists/organists Sat- Kathy Barrow;  Sun- Melissa Pedersen  11am- OAFC
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS
PROJECTIONISTS ARE STILL NEEDED!!  Reply to this email if interested in serving this way!
We need some new folks to take some of our projector spots.
 
Please consider helping in this very beneficial way.  It requires no experience, just one finger to push a button, and a brain that can pay attention to worship and follow along.   Please reply to this email if you are willing to help in this much needed way!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST (OAFC) will be here this weekend!!
This is a group of high school age kids who spend one weekend a month at a church doing outreach and evangelism and sharing fellowship with one another and the congregation that hosts them. 
We are in need of the following help:
1. People to house kids and their adult leaders and provide breakfast for them.
 
2. A couple people to take care of lunch and dinner on Saturday, and lunch on Sunday.
 
3. Kids in 7-12 grade AND ADULTS to come out and participate along with the OAFC kids.
 
Please consider this wonderful opportunity to affect your community for Christ and grow in your own faith at the same time.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOLIDAY VENDOR FAIR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 8am-2pm!!
If you have a business that you run from home or you would like to sell your wares at a place where tons of people are sure to come, please consider being a part of our 3rd annual Vendor Fair.  The Ladies Aid will be serving lunch and selling baked goods as well!
 
Make plans to come out and get your Christmas shopping done early!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUILT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUILTERS!!
$1 each or 6 for $5!!  The qult will be awarded to the lucky individual on Saturday, November 15!!  Proceeds are given to several local charities
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PATRIOT PACKAGES WILL BE PACKED AT THE WARRENTON ARMORY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 9am-noon!!
You may donate small travel size personal hygiene items, gum, comic books, magazines, or cash.  A full list of needed items will be available soon.  These packages are sent to troops out on the front line and battle fields around the world.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Kelsey updates our website weekly!  Check it out!!  www.stjohnwarrenton.org
__________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:  (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)
For BEVERLY WAALEN who has been placed on hospice care and is nearing the end of her earthly life.
 
For LORI DAVOLT, a friend of Karin Klaustermeier, who is dealing with complications from cancer.
 
THANKSGIVING for CHARLIE SUE CLEVELAND, who was baptized yesterday and as her mom and dad become members soon.
 
THANKSGVING FOR LANDON DREYER, born to Blake and Stephanie Dreyer this past Friday.
 
For THOSE IN DANGER, THOSE SUFFERING, AND THOSE MOURNING THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES DUE TO EBOLA, that the Lord would find a cure and an antidote for it.
 
For OUR CONTINUED FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND SPEECH in the United States, that we would continue to be able to freely speak the truth even in the face of opposition.
 
For our NATION'S MILITARY LEADERS AND SOLDIERS as they figure out what to do about the imminent threats from ISIS.
 
For MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, who are being persecuted to the point of death for their faith. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Daily Devotion: Monday, November 3, 2014

DEVOTION:  "Then he called the crowds to him along with the disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after (follow) me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his lie for my sake and for the sake o the Gospel will save it.  For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"  Matthew 16:24-26
 
As I read this passage I am reminded o the thousands of Christians throughout the world who are literally taking up their cross, going to death for the sake of the Gospel.  Do you realize that right now in places like Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and in other places throughout the world there are people being killed for their faith in Christ?  They are being put to death because they believe in Jesus and they won't give up their faith nor will they stop practicing their faith in worship and in service to the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  When we talk about heroes, these are the heroes we should really be giving accolades and honor. 
 
Then there are the disciples themselves. When Jesus speaks the words above, He is speaking directly to them.  He is telling them that they must be willing to die for Him.  In fact, not only were they willing to die for Him, all of them did die a martyr's death except for John who was saved miraculously by God so that he could give the world the Revelation.  They were given the faith it took to go all the way to death for the sake of the Gospel, the good news of salvation that Jesus died on the cross for them an for all of us. 
 
What about you?  Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Jesus all the way to death?  I'm not saying that you'll have to, but you might.  There's no telling what the future will bring for Christians in this world and in the United States?
 
Is your life reflecting that willingness right now?  Let me put it this way: when was the last time you were in worship four weekends in a row?  When was the last time you considered giving more in your weekly offerings?  When was the last time you served on a board or committee for the Lord and His church? 
 
Are you partaking of the freedom to worship or are you taking it for granted?  Are you speaking of the love of Jesus to those who need to hear it or are you keeping your mouth shut?  Are you supporting the work of the church as much as you are able with the money God is giving you?  Do you care enough about God's people and His church to give up your life for it? 
 
The reality is, apart from faith none of us are able to do any of these things.  Apart from God's gift of faith in our hearts and lives we are nothing but lumps of dirt who only  think of ourselves and what we want.  In faith we are able to give up ourselves and put Jesus first!  In faith we are able to proclaim the name and the work of Jesus with all that we are and have.  Let's make the most of every opportunity today to do that!  Let's do the work our Lord Jesus has given us to do!
 
Let us pray:  Lord, give me the faith to take up my cross and follow You today and every day.  Amen.
 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ 
What are the weeds in the parable of the weeds? 
Parable of the Weeds   Matthew 13:37-39  "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.  The field is the
world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom.  The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who
sows them is the devil.  The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  What does Jesus mean when He says, "Take up your cross and follow me"? 
____________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15
Tues- Quilting 9-2; NO BIBLE STUDY; Election Day
Wed- Jonesburg Nursing Home worship 10:30; Good Shepherd Volunteer Luncheon 11:30; Choir 7pm
Thurs- Alzheimer's support group; Karate 5:30-7:30; Praise band practice 6pm
Fri- OAFC arrives at 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8-9:30; Sanctuary cleaning day 10-12; OAFC all day; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study and Sunday school 9:45; worship 11; elder's meeting noon
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK

Acolytes- 8:30- Alaina Heitgerd 11- Zack Hoelscher
Altar guild- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up-- Joanne Hachtel
Greeters- 8:30- Paul and Cindy Klover; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Rich Talbert; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Randy Sweet
Lay Readers- Sat- Kathy Fischer, 8:30- Jo Fahrni, 11- Randy Sweet
8:30 Ushers-  Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Projectors- Sat-- Pam Bueltmann; Sun 8:30 ?????   11--??????

Pianists/organists Sat- Kathy Barrow;  Sun- Melissa Pedersen  11am- OAFC
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS
PROJECTIONISTS ARE STILL NEEDED!!  Reply to this email if interested in serving this way!
We need some new folks to take some of our projector spots.
 
Please consider helping in this very beneficial way.  It requires no experience, just one finger to push a button, and a brain that can pay attention to worship and follow along.   Please reply to this email if you are willing to help in this much needed way!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST (OAFC) will be here this weekend!!
This is a group of high school age kids who spend one weekend a month at a church doing outreach and evangelism and sharing fellowship with one another and the congregation that hosts them. 
We are in need of the following help:
1. People to house kids and their adult leaders and provide breakfast for them.
 
2. A couple people to take care of lunch and dinner on Saturday, and lunch on Sunday.
 
3. Kids in 7-12 grade AND ADULTS to come out and participate along with the OAFC kids.
 
Please consider this wonderful opportunity to affect your community for Christ and grow in your own faith at the same time.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOLIDAY VENDOR FAIR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 8am-2pm!!
If you have a business that you run from home or you would like to sell your wares at a place where tons of people are sure to come, please consider being a part of our 3rd annual Vendor Fair.  The Ladies Aid will be serving lunch and selling baked goods as well!
 
Make plans to come out and get your Christmas shopping done early!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUILT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUILTERS!!
$1 each or 6 for $5!!  The qult will be awarded to the lucky individual on Saturday, November 15!!  Proceeds are given to several local charities
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PATRIOT PACKAGES WILL BE PACKED AT THE WARRENTON ARMORY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 9am-noon!!
You may donate small travel size personal hygiene items, gum, comic books, magazines, or cash.  A full list of needed items will be available soon.  These packages are sent to troops out on the front line and battle fields around the world.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Kelsey updates our website weekly!  Check it out!!  www.stjohnwarrenton.org
__________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:  (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)
For BEVERLY WAALEN who has been placed on hospice care and is nearing the end of her earthly life.
 
For LORI DAVOLT, a friend of Karin Klaustermeier, who is dealing with complications from cancer.
 
THANKSGIVING for CHARLIE SUE CLEVELAND, who was baptized yesterday and as her mom and dad become members soon.
 
THANKSGVING FOR LANDON DREYER, born to Blake and Stephanie Dreyer this past Friday.
 
For THOSE IN DANGER, THOSE SUFFERING, AND THOSE MOURNING THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES DUE TO EBOLA, that the Lord would find a cure and an antidote for it.
 
For OUR CONTINUED FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND SPEECH in the United States, that we would continue to be able to freely speak the truth even in the face of opposition.
 
For our NATION'S MILITARY LEADERS AND SOLDIERS as they figure out what to do about the imminent threats from ISIS.
 
For MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, who are being persecuted to the point of death for their faith. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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